BETHLEHEM -- After missing out on state last season, the Gainesville boys basketball team ensured there would be no two-year absence on Tuesday, defeating Flowery Branch 68-47 in the Region 8-AAAAA tournament in Bethlehem.

The win continued an impressive late-season run for the Red Elephants (17-9), who have claimed nine straight victories and set up a semifinal battle at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Gainesville will face the winner of Tuesday's Cedar Shoals vs. Apalachee match-up.